Artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing a revolution to the fashion industry, but fashion designers will always hold the key to “original creativity,” according to Calvin Wong, the creator of the world’s first designer-led AI system, the Interactive Design Assistant for Fashion (AiDA). Using image-recognition technology, AiDA simplifies the design process by shortening the time it takes for a design to go from sketch to catwalk.
Designers upload their fabric prints, patterns, color tones, and initial sketches into AiDA, which then identifies these design elements and generates proposals for designers to refine and modify their original designs. This feature sets AiDA apart from the traditional design process, as it presents designers with all possible combinations to consider. The success of AiDA and its ability to inspire and facilitate designers’ creativity was showcased at Hong Kong’s M+ Museum in December through collections developed by 14 designers using AiDA.
However, Wong emphasizes that AiDA’s purpose is to aid designers rather than replace their creative input. He firmly believes in treasuring and valuing designers’ original creativity. Wong heads the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AidLab), a collaboration between the Royal College of Art (RCA) in Britain and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Naren Barfield, the vice chancellor of RCA, predicts that AI will have a “transformational” impact on the fashion industry, revolutionizing every stage from ideation and conception to manufacturing, distribution, and recycling.
Alongside AiDA, AidLab is showcasing other projects ahead of London Fashion Week in an effort to digitally preserve couturiers’ specialized skills and techniques using advanced technologies. Additionally, AidLab focuses on sustainability by reducing the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills each year.
Although AI offers numerous benefits to the fashion industry, obstacles remain. Some designers have used AI image generators to create collections, but issues surrounding intellectual property rights need to be addressed. Rebecca Lewin, a senior curator at London’s Design Museum, emphasizes the urgency of implementing regulations to protect designers’ rights.
Barfield acknowledges that the integration of AI into fashion design presents complex challenges. He anticipates that test cases and legislation will resolve the legal concerns, and companies will invest in AI if it offers them a competitive edge, provided the investment in infrastructure is overcome. Barfield stresses the importance of designers retaining control over the decision-making process, with AI serving as a tool to expedite design rather than making decisions on their behalf.
In conclusion, AI is transforming the fashion industry by simplifying design processes, enhancing personalization, and addressing sustainability concerns. Nevertheless, it will never replace the original creativity of fashion designers. The future potential of AI in fashion design is immense, but careful consideration of legal and ethical issues is crucial for a harmonious and successful integration of AI in the industry.
Useful links:
1. The Guardian: What role can AI play in the future of fashion?
2. Harvard Business Review: How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming the Fashion Industry
